Report: Long Island Republican Retiring From Senate

Sen. Owen Johnson, a Long Island Republican who has been in the Senate since 1973, has decided to retire, according to a report from Newsday.

Citing unnamed party sources, Newsday reports Johnson has informed Republican leaders of his decision to not seek reelection, with local party officials set to meet over the weekend to decide on a new candidate.

Johnson, 83, has been the subject of consistent retirement rumors, but had been seeking reelection to this point. He’s been part of the so-called “Long Island Nine”—the contingent of Republicans representing districts on the suburban island.

His apparent retirement could have a significant impact on this year’s elections. Republicans currently have a two-seat edge in the state Senate—33-29. (A 63rd Senate seat will be added for the November elections.)

Suffolk County legislator Ricardo Montano is the Democratic candidate running for the seat.